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Are you struggling with anxiety, sleeplessness, and low libido in perimenopause—even after starting hormone therapy? You're doing everything right, but still feel wired, exhausted, and disconnected from pleasure. The missing piece might surprise you: it's your nervous system.
In this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, host Gabriela Espinosa reveals why balancing hormones alone isn't enough. Groundbreaking research from UC San Francisco shows that your nervous system is literally woven into your ovaries, directly influencing how you age, how you experience menopause symptoms, and how much pleasure you can access in your body. If you've felt like your body is betraying you in midlife, this conversation will change how you understand stress, hormones, and intimacy forever.
Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.
Highlights from our discussion include:
Your nervous system isn't something to fix or control—it's something to befriend and partner with. It's your body's way of speaking to you, telling you when you need rest, movement, connection, or pleasure. This week, practice one simple tool: when you feel overwhelmed, pause and feel your feet on the ground. Notice the contact. Take three deep breaths. This small act tells your nervous system you're safe—and that's where healing and pleasure begin.
CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:
Work with Gabriella!
Full episodes on YouTube.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Rediscovering yourself after divorce—especially during midlife and menopause—can feel overwhelming. When decades of partnership end, you're left asking: Who am I now? What do I really want? And if you're thinking about dating again, how do you navigate desire, boundaries, and intimacy in this completely new chapter?
Dr. Jasmonae Joyriel, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Ignite Anew, helps high-performing individuals and couples transform their relationships, friendships, and sex lives. A Spelman alumna with advanced degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Denver, she brings nearly a decade of experience across mental health centers, VA hospitals, and private practice. Specializing in how past experiences shape present needs, Dr. Joyriel offers a holistic, evidence-based, and embodied approach that goes beyond mindset to create mind-health. She delivers personalized therapy, couples work, and immersive retreats that empower clients to navigate sex, dating, friendships, and personal growth with depth and lasting fulfillment.
Highlights from our discussion include:
CONNECT WITH DR JASMONAE JOYRIEL:
Website
CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:
Work with Gabriella!
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Full episodes on YouTube.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Are you struggling with anxiety, brain fog, sleepless nights, and exhausting hot flashes during perimenopause or menopause? Feeling like your body has betrayed you while everyone tells you to "just deal with it"? You're not alone—and there's so much more you can do than you've been told.
In this special World Menopause Day episode of Pleasure and the Pause, host Gabriela Espinoza breaks down the six pillars of lifestyle medicine for menopause—the evidence-based framework that can transform your menopause experience. Whether you're dealing with weight gain, low libido, joint pain, or feeling like you've lost yourself in midlife, this episode reveals practical, actionable strategies to reclaim your energy, vitality, and pleasure during this transition.
Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.
Highlights from our discussion include:
You have more power than you've been told. Menopause isn't something that simply happens to you—it's a passage you get to shape through the daily choices you make. Start today by implementing just one action step from the six pillars discussed in this episode.
Ready to transform your menopause experience with support from a community that truly understands? Visit pleasureinthepause.com to explore coaching programs and group courses designed specifically for midlife women. Share this episode with a woman who needs to hear that thriving through menopause is possible—because your pleasure matters, your wellbeing matters, and YOU matter.
If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella atwww.pleasureinthepause.com for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.
CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:
Work with Gabriella!
Full episodes on YouTube.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Struggling with hot flashes, anxiety, sleepless nights, or joint pain during perimenopause or menopause? In this episode of Pleasure In the Pause, host Gabriella Espinosa welcomes menopause yoga pioneer Petra Coveney to explore how ancient yoga practices can ease common menopause symptoms and support your journey through midlife. Discover why stress management is the foundation of menopause wellness, learn breath work techniques that calm anxiety in minutes, and explore the beautiful concept of "Second Spring"—a reframing of post-menopause as a time of reblossoming and renewed vitality.
Petra Coveney is the creator of Menopause Yoga™ (2013), a senior yoga teacher, trainer and author of two books on menopause.
Her first book ‘Menopause Yoga - a Holistic Guide to Supporting Women on their Menopause Journey,’ (2021) accompanies her internationally accredited teachers’ training course. She has trained more than 1,000 Menopause Yoga teachers in over 40 countries and her course was translated into Japanese.
Her NEW (very pink) book ‘Menopause & Wellbeing - a Daily Practice Guide for Perimenopause to Second Spring’ is published this month (October). ‘She' is friendly bedside table guide for people going through this stage of life, and for teachers and therapists working one-to-one.stage of life.
Highlights from our discussion include:
Your body already has the wisdom you need. The answers are within you—you just need to breathe, listen, and trust yourself. Remember: Second Spring is real, but it requires you to care for your health and wellbeing as you travel through perimenopause and menopause.
CONNECT WITH PETRA COVENEY:
You can buy her books on Amazon - or from the publishers’ website www.singingdragon.com and receive a 25% discount. Just use this code %25PETRA.
To join her live online classes and teacher training courses visit www.menopause-yoga.com and follower her on Instagram @menopause_yoga
CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:
Work with Gabriella!
Full episodes on YouTube.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Navigating menopause as a Latina woman often means facing it alone—without adequate information, representation, or community support. On this episode of Pleasure in the Pause, host Gabriela Espinosa sits down with Emmy-winning journalist and entrepreneur Gaby Natale to discuss how she's revolutionizing menopause education for Latinas through her groundbreaking bilingual platform, Menopausia.com.
Whether you're struggling with medically-induced menopause after breast cancer treatment, searching for reliable information in Spanish, or simply tired of outdated depictions of midlife women, this conversation offers validation, solutions, and a roadmap for reclaiming your power during this transformative life stage. Gaby shares her journey from breast cancer survivor to menopause advocate, revealing why Latinas experience longer transitions and how breaking the silence can literally save lives.
Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.
Gaby Natale is a three-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning journalist, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and leadership speaker. She made history as the first Latina to win three consecutive Daytime Emmys and the first Hispanic author published by HarperCollins Leadership. Recognized by People Magazine as one of the 25 Most Powerful Latinas and by Success Magazine as a Woman of Influence, Gaby is also a breast cancer survivor and official ambassador for Susan G. Komen.
Most recently, she founded Menopausia.com, the first bilingual FemTech platform dedicated to Latinas navigating perimenopause and menopause. Her bestselling book, The Virtuous Circle, provides a framework for reinvention and breaking barriers. Connect with her on Instagram @gabynatale and explore Menopausia.com for comprehensive menopause resources in English and Spanish.
Highlights from our discussion include:
Menopause doesn't have to be navigated in isolation or shame. By sharing our stories, breaking cultural silence, and accessing reliable bilingual resources, we can ensure the next generation of women enters this transition with knowledge, community, and confidence.
Learn more about Menopausia.com here:
https://menopausia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopausiacom/
Connect with Gaby here:
https://www.instagram.com/gabynatale/
https://www.youtube.com/@GabyNataleOK
Buy Gaby's book The Virtuous Circle here: https://a.co/d/1XFKKNF
CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:
Work with Gabriella!
Full episodes on YouTube.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Did you know that 75% of midlife women experience sexual health changes, but only 7% receive treatment. Why? Because we're staying silent. In this episode of Pleasure In the Pause, certified women's health coach Gabriela Espinosa reveals how this silence is costing us our health, relationships, and vitality. Learn why sexual health isn't optional—it's essential to your overall wellbeing in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
Pleasure Upgrade VIP Coaching Program: One-to-one coaching experience to help you understand your unique sexual blueprint and create deeper, more satisfying intimacy
Highlights from our discussion include:
This Sexual Health Awareness Month, choose one conversation you've been avoiding. Whether it's scheduling that appointment, having an honest talk with your partner, or simply speaking more kindly to yourself about your evolving body—your voice matters. Every time you speak openly about your sexual health, you give another woman permission to do the same and break a link in the generational silence chain.
Your silence has cost you enough. It's time for your satisfaction.
Ready to dive deeper? Subscribe to Pleasure In the Pause and share this episode with the women in your life who need to hear this message. Together, we're moving from silence to satisfaction.
If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella atwww.pleasureinthepause.com for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.
CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:
Work with Gabriella!
Full episodes on YouTube.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Are you standing in the pharmacy aisle, staring at rows of intimate care products, feeling overwhelmed and confused about what's actually safe for your changing menopausal body? If vaginal dryness, discomfort, or declining intimacy have left you frustrated and searching for answers, this episode of Pleasure In the Pause will transform your approach to intimate wellness during menopause.
Gabriella Espinosa sits down with the renowned "girlfriend doctor," Dr. Anna Cabeca, to demystify vulvar care, vaginal health, and sexual wellness for midlife women. This comprehensive conversation covers everything from understanding your vaginal microbiome to choosing the right products for your changing body, giving you the knowledge and confidence to prioritize your intimate health during perimenopause and beyond.
Receive 15% off JULVA Vulva Revitalizing Cream with code PLEASURE here
Receive 15% off all products from the Girlfriend Dr. with code PLEASURE here
Dr. Anna Cabeca is a triple board-certified physician specializing in gynecology, obstetrics, integrative medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. As the bestselling author of "The Hormone Fix" and "Keto Green 16," Dr. Anna brings over 20 years of clinical experience helping women navigate menopause and sexual health challenges. Known as "the girlfriend doctor" for her warm, direct, and humorous approach, Dr. Anna has personally experienced menopause twice, giving her both clinical expertise and lived experience. She's the creator of Julva vulvar care cream and the upcoming Velvet lubricant, products specifically designed for midlife women's changing bodies. Dr. Anna currently practices clinically and regularly lectures to physicians on women's intimate health.
Highlights from our discussion include:
If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella atwww.pleasureinthepause.com for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.
CONNECT WITH DR ANNA CABECA:
Website
Products
Books
CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:
Work with Gabriella!
Full episodes on YouTube.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
If you're one of the 600,000 women who undergo hysterectomies annually in the US—with 73% having their ovaries removed—you may feel completely unprepared for the sexual and emotional changes that follow surgical menopause. On Pleasure and the Pause, we're breaking the silence around this isolating journey. Host Gabriella Espinosa sits down with Dr. Juliana Hauser, a nationally recognized sex therapist who personally navigated surgical menopause, to explore how women can reclaim their sexuality, rediscover pleasure, and find their way back to themselves after this life-changing procedure.
Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.
Dr. Juliana Hauser, a nationally recognized expert in relationships, sex, and holistic sexuality. Dr. Juliana is a Ph.D. in Counseling Education who has built an extraordinary career spanning academia, clinical leadership, and community advocacy. She leads a thriving private practice where she works with individuals and couples navigating complex life experiences, and in September, she's releasing her highly anticipated book, "A New Position on Sex: A Guide to Greater Sexual Confidence, Pleasure, and Authenticity."
Highlights from our discussion include:
Surgical menopause doesn't have to mean the end of your sexual story—it can be the beginning of a new chapter written entirely on your terms. Remember: your sexuality isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. Whether you're considering this surgery or supporting someone who is, know that pleasure, confidence, and sexual fulfillment are absolutely possible on the other side.
If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella atwww.pleasureinthepause.com for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.
CONNECT WITH DR. JULIANA HAUSER:
Website
Book
TED Talk: Agency
CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:
Work with Gabriella!
Full episodes on YouTube.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Are you struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of your children leaving for college? Feeling lost, heartbroken, and uncertain about your identity beyond motherhood? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of Pleasure in the Pause, host Gabriella Espinosa addresses one of midlife women's most challenging transitions - the empty nest syndrome.
Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.
Discover how to navigate the complex emotions of watching your children gain independence while you reclaim parts of yourself you thought were lost forever. Learn why this transition doesn't have to mean emptiness, but can instead become an "open door" to rediscovering your sensual self, reigniting intimacy, and stepping into your most vibrant chapter yet. This episode is essential listening for midlife mothers ready to transform grief into growth and rediscover their pleasure and power.
Highlights from our discussion include:
Your children leaving home doesn't signal the end of your most vibrant years - it marks the beginning of a new chapter where you get to integrate the wisdom you've gained as a mother with the aliveness you've been storing up. This week, ask yourself: "What would bring me pure joy if I gave myself permission to explore it?" Remember, when you're connected to your own desires and dreams, you model something beautiful for your children about what it means to be a woman who continues to grow throughout her life.
If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella atwww.pleasureinthepause.com for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.
CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:
Work with Gabriella!
Full episodes on YouTube.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
Have you been on hormone therapy for months (or even years) but still feel terrible? If you're dealing with brain fog, 3 AM wake-ups, energy crashes, and that stubborn weight around your middle despite being on HRT, this conversation is exactly what you need to hear.
I sat down with Dr. Jila Senemar, and honestly, this interview changed how I think about hormone optimization. We talked about why so many women are being undertreated, why your doctor might not be checking your levels, and what truly optimal hormone therapy looks like.
Are you ready to awaken your sensuality and feel more empowered in your body? Access the FREE Pleasure Upgrade Bundle at https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/gift.
Dr. Jila Senemar, M.D., FACOG is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with over 20 years of experience who has become one of the leading voices in menopause optimization. She's the founder of JilaMD, a concierge practice in Miami specializing in personalized hormone therapy, metabolic optimization, and longevity science. Dr. Jila is also the founder of the Miami Menopause Collective, where she collaborates with women to create truly individualized treatment plans. What sets Dr. Jila apart is her commitment to helping women thrive—not just manage symptoms—in their second half of life through evidence-based, personalized care.
Highlights from our discussion include:
If you're seeking to reclaim your pleasure and vitality, join Gabriella atwww.pleasureinthepause.com for this enlightening journey into the heart of female pleasure and empowerment.
CONNECT WITH DR. JILA:
Website
LINKS MENTIONED:
The Menopause Society
Dr. Mary Claire Haver
CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA ESPINOSA:
Work with Gabriella!
Full episodes on YouTube.
The information shared on Pleasure in the Pause is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Pleasure in the Pause.
From the publisher's feed
What does it mean to age with pleasure?
Pleasure in the Pause is a podcast for women navigating midlife, menopause and beyond who want to feel more connected to their bodies,…
Hosted by women’s health and sexual wellness educator Gabriella Espinosa, the show brings together candid conversations with doctors, researchers, thought leaders and wellness experts exploring what shapes our capacity for pleasure as we age — from hormones and sexual health to body image, nervous system regulation, intimacy, relationships, friendship and community.
Because healthy aging isn’t just about living longer — it’s about feeling alive, connected and at home in our bodies throughout the years ahead.
Pleasure has no age limit or expiration date!
Say YES! to Pleasure at www.pleasureinthepause.com

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